Model UN Club Travels to Chicago

In February, nine members of Thaden’s Model United Nations Club traveled with sponsors Ms. King and Dr. Maher to the 38th Model United Nations of the University of Chicago (MUNUC) conference. Head delegate Brennan M. ‘29, K L. ‘27, Millie S. ‘27, and Sonakshi D. ‘29 represented the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Eden-Belle R. ‘27, Teagan K. ‘27, and Killian S. ‘27 represented the Republic of Estonia; Lindley S. ‘27 represented the Republic of Yemen; and Jesse C. ‘28 represented the Kyrgyz Republic.

Building on their participation in the 60th Arkansas Model United Nations (AMUN) conference in November, students continued to practice their skills in research, public speaking, negotiation, and collaborative problem solving. “The Model UN trip was a phenomenal opportunity,” Sonakshi D. said. “The Chicago conference significantly boosted my confidence as I spoke and discussed our topic with other delegates. It was an enjoyable experience because I was able to connect with people from all over the United States and even some people from outside the country.”

Students worked with peers from over 100 other high schools to debate and propose solutions to issues such as bioweapons, implementation of predictive policing tools, and the protection and preservation of World Heritage sites. “MUNUC was an amazing experience,” Jesse C. said. “It provided the opportunity to experience Model United Nations on a large scale. In a committee of more than 100 people, I was able to grow as a delegate, and, perhaps more importantly, as a collaborator, as I was working to combat issues faced by World Heritage sites.”

The Model UN Club meets on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm and is open to students in Grades 7-12.